12. Sulfur

Question 1

name some of the sources of sulfur

Answer 1

• volcanic emissions
• metal ores like copper pyrite and zinc blende
• hot springs
• hydrothermal vents

Question 2

what is contact process

Answer 2

an industrial process used to make sulfuric acid. it is made by oxidizing sulfur dioxide in the presence of a solid catalyst. sulfur trioxide is then reacted with water to form sulfuric acid

Question 3

what conditions are required for the contact process

Answer 3

temperature around 450 C
vanadium oxide catalyst (V2O5)
pressure of 2 atm

Question 4

write the chemical equations for the reactions that takes place in the contact process

Answer 4

2SO2 + O2 -> <- (reversible reaction) 2SO3
SO3 +H2O -> H2SO4

Question 5

how is sulfur in the manufature of sulfuric acid

Answer 5

sulfur is burned in air to form sulfur dioxide. this is converted into sulfur trioxide by reacting it further with oxygen. sulfuric acid is produce when sulfur trioxide reacts with water

Question 6

what are the uses of sulfur dioxide

Answer 6

• bleach in the manufacture of wood pulp for paper
• food perforative as it kills bacteria

Question 7

what are the properties of sulfuric acid

Answer 7

• strong acid
• corrosive
• good electrolyte
• colorless liquid

Question 8

what are the uses of sulfuric acid

Answer 8

• production of fertilisers
• processing metals
• manufacture of chemicals
• washing impurities out of gasoline in petroleum refining